Abstract

Cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) is known to have a substantial impact on the regulation of energy metabolism via central and peripheral mechanisms. In this issue of the JCI, Ruiz de Azua and colleagues provide important insights into the regulation of adipocyte physiology by CB1. Mice with adipocyte-specific deletion of the CB1-encoding gene had an overall improved metabolic profile in addition to reduced body weight and total adiposity. These changes were associated with an increase in sympathetic tone of the adipose tissue and expansion of activated macrophages, both of which occurred prior to changes in body weight, lending support to a causal relationship between loss of CB1 in adipocytes and systemic metabolic changes. This work identifies adipocyte CB1s as a potential novel peripheral target for affecting systemic metabolism with diminished CNS effects.

Authors

Figure 1

Excessive CB1 signaling is associated with accumulation of adipose tissue, increased body mass, and hunger. In this issue, Ruiz de Azua and colleagues reveal that loss of CB1 specifically in adipocytes improves metabolic profile. These improvements are associated with an elevation of activated macrophages and increased sympathetic tone. This work supports further efforts in the development of peripherally restricted CB1 inverse agonists for treating obesity.